A Sprint Championship for the Ladies
The Ellen Chaloner Stakes has quietly established itself as one of the season's most competitive Listed sprints for fillies and mares. Formerly known as the Kilvington Stakes, this Newbury feature attracts a stellar field year after year, and Saturday's renewal looks no different.
With £60,000 on offer and valuable black type at stake, this six-furlong test often serves as a stepping stone to Group company later in the season. The good to firm ground should suit most of this field, and with the weights levelled at 9st 8lb, we're in for a proper battle.
Nine have been declared for Saturday's contest, with ratings spanning from 89 to 111 – a competitive spread that suggests we'll see a closely-fought finish under the Newbury racecard.
The Main Contenders
Flora of Bermuda heads the market and rightly so. Andrew Balding's five-year-old mare boasts the highest rating in the field at 111, and James Doyle takes the ride. She's proven at this level and the draw in stall five gives her options. The concern is whether she's quite the force she was two seasons ago.
Sky Majesty represents the William Haggas yard and comes here with a rating of 109. Tom Marquand's mount has the awkward draw in stall one to overcome, but at Newbury the rail isn't always a disadvantage over six furlongs. Haggas doesn't run many in Listed company unless they're well-handicapped.
Rosy Affair brings both course and distance form to the table – always a positive at this track. George Boughey's mare has slipped to a mark of 108, which could prove lenient if she's back to her best. Billy Loughnane knows her well, and the low draw in stall two should see her prominent throughout.
Sayidah Dariyan is an interesting runner for Richard Hughes. Rated 108, she's another who's proven at this trip, and William Buick's booking suggests connections fancy their chances. The middle draw in stall four is ideal for this type of race.
Celandine drops in class for Ed Walker, and that's often a telling move. Kieran Shoemark has struck up a good partnership with this filly, and her course-winning form gives her a solid each-way chance at bigger odds.
Draw and Going Analysis
The good to firm ground plays to the strengths of most in this field. At Newbury over six furlongs, the draw rarely proves decisive, but those drawn low often have a slight edge if they can secure a good early position.
Stalls one and two have produced their share of winners here, which favours Sky Majesty and Rosy Affair respectively. The higher draws – Magic Basma in nine and Rhyme Dust in eight – face a stiffer task, though Ryan Moore's presence on Magic Basma suggests Kevin Ryan's filly isn't without hope.
The good to firm conditions should see a strong pace, particularly with several hold-up horses in the field. Those that can travel strongly in behind and produce a late kick may have the edge.
Value Picks and Dangers
At the prices, Celandine offers the best value. Her rating of 101 doesn't tell the full story – she's been running in much stronger company recently and this drop in class could see her back in the winner's enclosure. Walker's filly has both course and distance form, and Kieran Shoemark rides with confidence.
Hold A Dream is another to consider at bigger odds. Clive Cox's filly may be rated just 98, but she's been running well in defeat lately. Clifford Lee takes the ride, and if the pace sets up right, she could outrun her odds.
The danger is Paris Babe for Archie Watson. Her rating of 89 makes her the lowest-rated runner, but she's been showing improved form lately. Hollie Doyle is a master at getting the best from these types, and the low draw in stall three is a positive.
The Verdict
This looks a competitive renewal of the Ellen Chaloner Stakes, with several fillies and mares holding realistic chances. Flora of Bermuda sets the standard on ratings, but at her likely odds, she represents poor value in a race this competitive.
Sky Majesty gets the nod as the selection. Haggas has his string in fine form, and while the draw in stall one isn't ideal, Tom Marquand is adept at making the best of any situation. Her rating of 109 suggests she's well-treated at these weights, and the step back to Listed level could see her back to winning ways.
For the each-way players, Celandine offers solid value. Her class drop is significant, and Walker's filly has the form and experience to take advantage. In a race this open, backing the value makes sense.
Who is the favourite for the Ellen Chaloner Stakes?
Flora of Bermuda heads the betting for Andrew Balding. The five-year-old mare boasts the highest rating in the field at 111 and has proven form at this level. James Doyle's booking adds to her appeal, though her odds may be on the short side given the competitive nature of this field.
What are the key form pointers for this race?
Course and distance form is crucial at Newbury, which favours Celandine and Rosy Affair. Recent Listed or Group form is also significant – Flora of Bermuda and Sky Majesty both bring experience at this level. The good to firm going should suit most runners, but those with proven form on faster ground hold an edge.
Which jockeys to follow in the Ellen Chaloner Stakes?
The race features several top-class riders. James Doyle partners the favourite Flora of Bermuda, while Ryan Moore's presence on Magic Basma despite her wide draw suggests she's not without hope. William Buick on Sayidah Dariyan and Hollie Doyle aboard Paris Babe both command respect, particularly given their ability to get the best from their mounts in competitive handicaps.
